CHAPTER 30: INFILTRATING THE PALACE

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"A restriction? What restriction?" Ram asked looking at Yashasvini.

"Apparently the king sees two reasons, beauty and efficiency. If I fit into even any one of these categories, I can work there." Yashasvini said.

"You do." Ram replied looking at Yashasvini.

"Which one?" Yashasvini asked.

Ram struck for a moment.

"E-effiiency" Ram replied, looking away from Yashasvini with a strange sheepish look.

Yashasvini couldn't process his look but she took his words.

"You're beautiful too. I think you fit both criterias Pavithraji." Dhrithiman said humbly with a smile.

Yashasvini smiled at Dhrithiman.

"And?" Ram asked. He knew that this wasn't the restriction and there was more to it.

"He checks all the maids himself before hiring. I have to make sure not to get caught." Yashasvini replied.

"Why would a king do that? I've never heard of a king who chooses his maids himself." Dhrithiman asked.

Knowing the answer, Yashavsini decided to remain silent. The king's lust was the problem she had to handle. It's not like the guys could do anything about it.

"Okay then." Ram said as he moved his hand to his dress.

"Take this with you then." Ram said giving his needle.

Yashasvini was surprised by his act.

"But why--" Yashasvini stopped mid sentence.

"You'll need it for self defense. If you carry any weapon like a dagger, he'll find out easily. Carrying a needle will reduce your chances of getting caught." Ram explained.

Surprised and taken aback, Yashasvini took the needle from Ram with reluctance, slightly brushing his hand.

Men have offered me protection. Nobody has ever given me weapons trusting me capable of defending myself except my father. This man is trusting me with one of his best weapons. So strange.

"Thank you." Yashasvini replied, with surprise and strange sense of admiration, bringing a frown to her face.

Soon, Yashasvini cooked some food and all the three had it.

"Okay, I'll now leave for the palace. I heard they'll recruit till 9am." Yashasvini replied as the three finished their food and got up.

Ram and Dhrithiman nodded in agreement.

Yashasvini went inside to the recruiting line and waited for her turn. Vidhurak was in the palace courtyard, checking out all the women while seated in his seat.

Many women felt evidently uncomfortable with his look. He rejected a few women saying that they didn't look good. Soon, it was Yashasvini's turn.

When Yashasvini stepped forward, the leisurely seated king slowly stood up in awe. Vidhurak's eyes glowed like a wild dog seeing Yashasvini's beauty.

However, Yashasvini looked straight ahead at Vidhurak, keeping a calm and straight face with a pleasant smile. On the inside, rage burned rapidly inside her.

"Pranam Maharaj." Yashasvini said with a namaste in her hand and a short bow.

"Uh?" Vidhurak asked dumbstruck.

"Maharaj." Said the minister standing next to him, snapping Vidhurak out of his trance.

"Maharaj, I would like to be an employe--" Before Yashasvini could complete, Vidhurak interuppted.

"Hire her." Vidhurak said with his eyes still on Yashasvini.

That was quick.

"Ji Maharaj." He minister said with a sigh. He seemed to be so used with the king's infatuation.
(Yes, my king.)

Yashasvini smiled and went inside to get her uniform.

Meanwhile, Ram and Dhrithiman went to meet the spies of Paramdham residing in Satavahana.

As they were headed, Dhrtihiman asked something.

"Brathashri.." Dhrithiman stopped.

"What is it?" Ram asked looking at Dhrithiman.

"You should've said both atleast." Dhrithiman said.

"Both what?" Ram asked, puzzled about the context he was speaking in. It took Ram a minute to understand it but pretended as if he didn't.

Dhrithiman smiled at Ram.

"Never mind. Anyways, I wanted to say something important." Dhrithiman said.

Ram looked at Dhrithiman, waiting for him to spill the tea.

"When Pavithraji was enquiring about the job at the palace to the woman, the woman whispered something in her ear. I asked her what it was, but she pushed the matter away." Dhrithiman revealed.

"So you mean that there's still something more and Pavithra didn't tell us?" Ram asked.

Dhrithiman nodded his head in agreement.

"We need to be careful then."Ram said.

Soon, the two reacehd the location. The head was Guru Markhandeya.

When Markhandeya saw Ram and Dhrithiman, he smiled broadly and welcomed them.

It was the first time Ram and Dhrithiman met Markhandeya. They were pleased by the man's hospitality.

All other spies were also present. The aim for all of them was to follow Ram, Dhrithiman and Markhandeya's orders and execute them.

"How is your wound?" Markhandeya asked when he saw the cloth that was still tied around Ram's stomach.

"Almost on the verge of recovery. A few more days to go." Ram said with a smile keeping his palm slightly on the cloth.

Ram explained his plans to Markhandeya.

"We need to find about Vidhurak's weakness and use it against him. That is most efficient way to eliminate him silently. As far as I know, Vidhurak is a cruel, careless and an irrational king." Ram explained as Markhandeya listened patiently with a smile.

"To know his weakeness, you'll need to keep an eye on him by infiltrating the palace. How are you going to do that?" Markhandeya asked.

"I have someone for that. I'll soon enter inside. Nothing to worry." Ram said with a convincing tone despite worrying about betrayal.

Markhandeya gave a mysterious smile.

"Okay." He replied very briefly.

"Remember, to know your enemy, trust his enemy." Markhandeya advised.

Ram nodded with a smile even though he didn't understand what he was talking about, but he decided not to question the wise man.

Markhandeya chuckled as if he read Ram's mind.

"You'll know when the time comes." He said looking at Ram and Dhrithiman.

" He said looking at Ram and Dhrithiman

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To be continued....
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